Vanda plant named ‘SPCDW1404’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct  Vanda  cultivar named ‘SPCDW1404’ which is characterized by the combination of a dark purple general tonality of the flower with a pronounced deep purple spotting pattern of both the sepals and petals, with undulating margins of both the sepals and petals, as well as the stability of all characteristics from generation to generation. The new variety is a  Vanda , typically produced as an indoor ornamental plant.

Latin name of the genus and species: The Latin name of the genus andspecies of the novel variety disclosed herein is Vanda spp. Jones ex R.Br.

Variety denomination: The inventive variety of Vanda disclosed hereinhas been given the variety denomination ‘SPCDW1404’.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to the Community Plant Variety Rightsapplication number 2014/2941, filed Nov. 14, 2014, which is hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parentage: The Vanda variety ‘SPCDW1404’ is the result of a plannedbreeding program. The new variety originated as a seedling from thecrossing of the unpatented, proprietary seed parent Vanda ‘RCB’ with theunpatented, proprietary pollen parent referred to as Vanda ‘D2N’. Bothparents were developed by, and are owned by, the inventor and were nevercommercially released. The crossing was made by the inventor in hisresearch greenhouse in Bangphra, Thailand in October of 2002.

The new variety was first selected in June of 2008, in a researchgreenhouse in Bangphra, Thailand belonging to the inventor. Afteridentifying the new variety as a potentially interesting selection, theinventor continued confidential testing and propagation of ‘SPCDW1404’,assessing stability of the unique characteristics of this variety.

Asexual Reproduction: Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar‘SPCDW1404’, by way of mericloning, was first initiated in April of 2009at a commercial laboratory belonging to the inventor in Bangphra,Thailand, with the first mericlones so reproduced flowering in 2014.Access to all plants was restricted, as plants were kept in a greenhousenot open to the public, and tissue culture plantlets were in alaboratory belonging to the inventor, and not accessible to the public.Through six subsequent generations, the unique features of this cultivarhave proven to be stable and true to type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cultivar ‘SPCDW1404’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat withvariations in environment such as temperature, day length, and lightintensity, without, however, any variance in genotype. The followingtraits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the uniquecharacteristics of ‘SPCDW1404’. These characteristics in combinationdistinguish ‘SPCDW1404’ as a new and distinct Vanda cultivar:

-   -   1. Vanda ‘SPCDW1404’ exhibits a unique dark purple general        tonality of the sepals and petals; and    -   2. Vanda ‘SPCDW1404’ exhibits a pronounced deep purple spotting        pattern of the sepals and petals; and    -   3. Vanda ‘SPCDW1404’ exhibits pronounced undulation of the sepal        and petal margins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to makethe same in color photographs of this type, an exemplary plant of‘SPCDW1404’ grown in a commercial greenhouse in Honselersdijk, theNetherlands. This plant is approximately 5 years old from the time ofmericloning, shown planted in an 8 by 8 cm container.

FIG. 2 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to makethe same in color photographs of this type, the typical foliage of‘SPCDW1404’.

FIG. 3 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to makethe same in color photographs of this type, the typical flowers of‘SPCDW1404’.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following observations and measurements made in October of 2015describe averages from a sample set of six specimens of five year-old‘SPCDW1404’ plants grown in a greenhouse in Honselersdijk, theNetherlands. Temperatures ranged were approximately 23 degrees Celsiusduring the day and 19 degrees Celsius at night. No photoperiodic orchemical treatments were given to the plants. No artificial light wasgiven to the plants.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain characteristicswill vary with older or, conversely, with younger plants. ‘SPCDW1404’has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Wheredimensions, sizes, colors and other characteristics are given, it is tobe understood that such characteristics are approximations or averagesset forth as accurately as practicable. The phenotype of the variety maydiffer from the descriptions set forth herein with variations inenvironmental, climactic and cultural conditions. Color notations arebased on The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, The RoyalHorticultural Society, London, 2015 (sixth edition).

A botanical description of ‘SPCDW1404’ and comparisons with othervarieties of Vanda are provided below.

-   Plant description:    -   -   Growth habit.—Perennial; monopodial, upright. Single            monopodial leafy stem, with flowers carried slightly above            the leaf plane, inflorescences grow from the leaf axils.        -   Average height from base (plant grown in hanging basket, so            no soil line present) to top of foliage.—37.5 cm.        -   Average height from base (plant grown in hanging basket, so            no soil line present) to top of flowers.—45.4 cm.        -   Plant spread.—Average of 46.5 cm.        -   Normal pot size.—Hanging basket (8 by 8 cm, square).        -   Growth rate.—Moderate.        -   Plant vigor.—Moderate.        -   Propagation type.—Propagation Type — Meristematic tissue            culture propagation using the base of the leaves.        -   Propagation details.—The time needed from for the start of a            mericlone to get the small plants ready for deflasking is            approximately 24 months under a controlled temperature of            about 26 degrees Celsius. After that period, plants have            matured roots. Plants start to make roots in the last 6            months in flasks. After deflasking they remain in a shaded            and controlled environment.        -   Disease and pest resistance or susceptibility.—Similar to            other Vanda varieties.        -   Environmental tolerances.—Adapt to, at least, USDA Zones 11            and 12; high tolerance to rain; moderate to high tolerance            to wind.-   Root system:    -   -   General.—Densely rooting; with aerial roots only.        -   Dimensions, mature roots.—56.1 cm long with a diameter of            0.5 cm, on average.        -   Texture.—Fleshy; non-fibrous.        -   Color.—Greyed-Green, near RHS 192C to 192D; root apex is            yellow-green, RHS 146A.-   Stem:    -   -   Branching habit.—Single monopodial leafy stem.        -   Number of primary (main) stems per plant.—One.        -   Number of secondary (lateral) branches per plant.—None.        -   Appearance and shape.—Circular, formed by the leaf sheaths.        -   Length.—22.5 cm.        -   Diameter.—0.9 cm.        -   Internode length.—0.5 cm.        -   Luster.—Matte.        -   Aspect.—Near vertical.        -   Strength.—Very strong.        -   Color, juvenile.—Yellow-green, near 150D.        -   Color, mature.—Yellow-green, near 150D.        -   Color at internodes.—Yellow-green, near 150D.        -   Pubescence.—Glabrous.-   Foliage:    -   -   Arrangement.—Distichous.        -   Quantity.—Approximately 23 leaves per plant.        -   Dimensions.—23.0 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, on average.        -   Shape of blade.—Ligulate; strongly carinate.        -   Aspect.—Moderately curved.        -   Apex.—Unequal praemorse.        -   Base.—Sheathing.        -   Sheath dimensions.—2.7 cm long and 1.5 cm wide, on average.        -   Sheath color.—Yellow-Green, near RHS 145C to 145D.        -   Margin.—Entire.        -   Pubescence, texture and luster of adaxial surface.—Glabrous,            smooth, and very slightly glossy.        -   Pubescence, texture and luster of abaxial surface.—Glabrous,            smooth, and matte.        -   Color.—Juvenile foliage, adaxial surface — Green, near RHS            143A; darker toward the margins, near 137B. Juvenile            foliage, abaxial surface — Green, near RHS 143A to 143B.            Mature foliage, adaxial surface — Green, nearest to RHS            137B. Mature foliage, abaxial surface — Yellow-green RHS            144A.        -   Venation.—Parallel.        -   Venation color, adaxial surface.—Green, near RHS 137B.        -   Venation color, abaxial surface.—Yellow-green RHS 144A.        -   Petiole.—No petioles present, leaves sessile.-   Inflorescence:    -   -   Inflorescence arrangement.—Axially placed raceme.        -   Natural flowering season.—Autumn into winter.        -   Inflorescence quantity.—One.        -   Flowers per inflorescence.—Average of 7 open flowers and 1            unopened flower bud.        -   Inflorescence height.—Approximately 18.5 cm (measured from            base of lowest flower to top of upper flower).        -   Inflorescence width.—Approximately 17.4 cm.        -   Peduncle.—Dimensions — Approximately 32.0 cm long and 0.6 cm            wide. Aspect — Approximately 30° angle to lateral branch            axis. Strength — Moderately strong. Texture and luster —            Glabrous and moderately glossy. Color — Green, near RHS            143B.-   Bud:    -   -   Length.—Average of 1.9 cm.        -   Diameter.—Average of 1.8 cm.        -   Shape.—Broad obovate.        -   Pubescence, texture and luster.—Glabrous, smooth and            moderately glossy.        -   Color.—Yellow-green, near RHS 145B; apex tinged with purple,            near N77C.-   Flower:    -   -   Flower type.—Zygomorphic (orchidaceous), typical shape for            the genus Vanda.        -   Flowering habit.—Moderate.        -   Shape.—Zygomorphic, single; consisting of three sepals and            three petals, one of which is transformed into a labellum;            the two lateral petals heavily overlap the dorsal sepal and            the lateral sepals; dorsal sepal and lateral sepals are            free.        -   Aspect.—Flowers are outward-facing to slightly nodding.        -   Height.—Approximately 10.6 cm.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 10.0 cm.        -   Depth.—Approximately 4.6 cm.        -   Fragrance.—No fragrance.        -   Lastingness.—3 weeks.        -   Persistent.—Self-cleaning.        -   Petals.—Quantity of Petals — 3; two conventional petals and            one labellum. Arrangement — One lateral petal on each side.            Length — Approximately 4.9 cm. Width — Approximately 4.6 cm.            Shape — Broad ovate to near orbicular. Apex — Obtuse. Base —            Cuneate. Margin — Entire; moderately undulate. Pubescence,            texture and luster of upper surface — Glabrous, velvety and            matte. Pubescence, texture and luster of lower surface —            Glabrous, velvety and matte. Color when opening, upper            surface — Green-white, near RHS 157C to 157D; tinged            greyed-purple at and near the apex, near RHS N187D; petal            moderately dotted with greyed-purple at the apex, near RHS            N187A; striped with violet at the base, nearest to RHS 86D.            Color when opening, lower surface — Green-white, near RHS            157D; tinged with violet-blue, near RHS 90D and lighter, at            and near the apex; petal slightly dotted with greyed-purple,            RHS N187A to N187B. Color when fully opened, upper surface —            White, near RHS 155C; tinged with violet, near RHS N88C to            N88D, at and near the apex; petal densely dotted with violet            RHS 83A. Color when fully opened, lower surface — White,            near RHS 155C; tinged with violet-blue, near RHS 90D, at and            near the apex. Fading, upper surface — Not fading. Fading,            lower surface — Not fading. Venation color, fully opened,            upper surface — Violet, near N87A to N87C. Venation color,            fully opened, lower surface — Violet-blue, near 90D and            lighter.        -   Labellum.—Shape — Three-lobed; the shape of the lateral            lobes is broad ovate and the aspect is heavily involute; the            central lobe is ovate to near rhombic and the aspect is            heavily revolute. Length — Central lobe — Approximately            2.1 cm. Lateral lobes — Approximately 1.0 cm. Width —            Central lobe — Approximately 1.0 cm. Lateral lobes —            Approximately 0.6 cm. Apex — Central lobe — Emarginate.            Lateral lobes — Obtuse. Base — Central lobe — Cuneate.            Lateral lobes — Cuneate. Margin — Entire; central lobe not            undulate and lateral lobes moderately undulate. Texture and            luster of upper surface — Central lobe — Glabrous, velvety,            and matte. Lateral lobes — Glabrous, velvety, and matte.            Texture and luster of lower surface — Central lobe —            Glabrous, velvety, and matte. Lateral lobes — Glabrous,            velvety, and matte. Color when opening, upper surface —            Central lobe — Violet-blue, near N92A. Lateral lobes —            Green-white, near RHS 157C; petal striped violet, RHS 83A,            at the base with a yellow-orange dot, near RHS 14A, also at            the base. Color when opening, lower surface — Central lobe —            Violet-blue, near RHS N92A, to green-white, near RHS 157B,            at the base. Lateral lobes — Green-white, near RHS 157D;            petal striped purple, lighter than RHS 79D, at the base.            Color when fully opened, upper surface — Central lobe —            Violet-blue, near RHS N92A. Lateral lobes — Purple, lighter            than RHS 79D; petal striped violet, RHS 83A, at the base            with a yellow-orange dot, near RHS 22A, also at the base.            Color when fully opened, lower surface — Central lobe —            Greyed-purple, near RHS N186B, and lighter towards the base,            near RHS N187D. Lateral lobes — Greyed-purple, near RHS            N187D. Fading, upper surface — Not fading. Fading, lower            surface — Not fading. Venation color, fully opened, upper            surface — Central lobe — Violet-blue RHS 91C. Lateral lobes            — Purple, lighter than RHS 79D; violet at the base, near RHS            83A. Venation color, fully opened, lower surface — Central            lobe — Greyed-purple, near RHS N186B, and lighter towards            the base, near RHS N187D. Lateral lobes — Greyed-purple,            near RHS N187D.        -   Spurs.—Quantity — Average of 1. Length — Approximately            1.0 cm. Diameter — Approximately 0.4 cm. Vertical height —            Approximately 0.7 cm, at the base. Shape — Short triangular.            Apex — Bluntly acute. Base — Broad Cuneate. Margin — Entire.            Pubescence, texture and luster — Glabrous, smooth, and            matte. Color — Greyed-purple, near RHS N187C.        -   Sepals.—Quantity — Average of 3 unfused sepals. Arrangement            — One dorsal sepal and two lateral sepals. Length — Dorsal            sepal — Approximately 5.8 cm. Lateral sepals — Approximately            5.6 cm. Width — Dorsal sepal — Approximately 4.8 cm. Lateral            sepals — Approximately 5.9 cm. Shape — Both the dorsal sepal            and lateral sepals are broad ovate. Apex — Obtuse. Base —            Cuneate. Margin — Entire and moderately to highly undulate.            Pubescence, texture and luster — Glabrous, velvety, and            matte. Color when opening — Dorsal sepal, upper surface —            Green-white, near 157C to 157D; tinged with greyed-purple,            near RHS N187D, near the apex and violet, near RHS N87D, at            the apex; sepal moderately dotted with greyed-purple RHS            N187A. Dorsal sepal, lower surface — Green-white, near 157D;            tinged with violet-blue, near RHS 90D and lighter, towards            the apex; sepal slightly dotted with greyed-purple, RHS            N187A to N187B. Lateral sepal, upper surface — Greyed-green,            near RHS 195B; tinged with greyed-purple, near N187C to            187D, towards the apex; sepal moderately dotted with            greyed-purple N187A; striped with violet at the base,            nearest to RHS 86D. Lateral sepal, lower surface —            Greyed-green, near RHS 195D; tinged with purple, near 83D,            towards the apex; sepal very slightly dotted with            greyed-purple RHS N187A to N187B; striped with violet at the            base, nearest to RHS 86D. Color when fully opened — Dorsal            sepal, upper surface — White, near 155C; tinged with violet,            near RHS N88C to N88D, towards the apex; sepal densely            dotted with violet RHS 83A. Dorsal sepal, lower surface —            White, near 155C; tinged with violet-blue, near RHS 90D,            towards the apex. Lateral sepal, upper surface —            Green-white, near RHS 157C to 157D; strongly tinged with            violet, near RHS 86D, towards the apex; sepal densely dotted            with violet-blue RHS N92A. Lateral sepal, lower surface —            Greyed-green, near RHS 195C to 195D; strongly tinged with            violet, near 86D, towards the margins and apex; sepal very            slightly dotted with greyed-purple RHS N187A to N187B.            Fading, upper surface — Not fading. Fading, lower surface —            Not fading. Venation color, fully opened, upper surface —            Dorsal sepal — Violet, near RHS N87A to N87C. Lateral sepal            — Violet, near RHS 86A. Venation color, fully opened, lower            surface — Dorsal sepal — Violet-blue, near RHS 90D and            lighter. Lateral sepal — Violet-blue, near RHS 90B to 90C.        -   Pedicels.—Length — Approximately 6.0 cm. Diameter —            Approximately 0.5 cm. Angle — Approximately 70° angle to            peduncle axis. Strength — Moderate. Texture — Glabrous,            axially angled with 5 “ribs”, axially twisted (due to            resupination). Luster — Glossy. Color — White, RHS N155B;            tinged with purple, near RHS 75C, towards the distal end and            yellow-green, near RHS 147D and lighter, toward the proximal            end.        -   Bract.—Quantity — One bract present at the base of each            pedicel. Shape — Reniform; folded around the base of the            pedicel. Dimensions — Average of 1.3 cm long and 1.8 cm            wide. Apex — Broad acute. Base — Broad Cuneate. Margins —            Entire. Color, both surfaces — Yellow-green, near RHS 144C.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Column.—Length — Approximately 0.5 cm. Diameter —            Approximately 0.7 cm. Color — White RHS NN155A.        -   Ovary.—Position — Inferior. Diameter — Approximately 0.2 cm.            Color — Purple RHS 75D.        -   Pollinia color.—Yellow-orange RHS 14A.-   Seed and fruit: No fruit and seed production has been detected to    date.

COMPARISONS WITH THE PARENT PLANTS

Plants of the new cultivar ‘SPCDW1404’ are similar to the seed parent,Vanda ‘RCB’, in most horticultural characteristics. However ‘SPCDW1404’differs from the seed parent in the following characteristics:

-   -   1. The flowers of ‘SPCDW1404’ exhibit a dark purple general        tonality, whereas the flowers of ‘RCB’ exhibit a lighter purple        general tonality.    -   2. The sepal and petal color pattern of ‘SPCDW1404’ exhibits        more deep purple spots when compared to the sepal and petal        color pattern of ‘RCB’.    -   3. The flowers of ‘SPCDW1404’ are smaller than those of ‘RCB’.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘SPCDW1404’ are similar to the pollen parent,Vanda ‘D2N’, in most horticultural characteristics. However ‘SPCDW1404’differs from the pollen parent in the following characteristics:

-   -   1. The flowers of ‘SPCDW1404’ exhibit a dark purple general        tonality, whereas the flowers of ‘D2N’ exhibit a red-purple        general tonality.    -   2. The petals and sepals of ‘SPCDW1404’ are smaller than those        of ‘D2N’.    -   3. ‘SPCDW1404’ exhibits fewer flowers on each inflorescence.

COMPARISON WITH THE MOST SIMILAR VANDA CULTIVAR KNOWN TO THE INVENTOR

‘SPCDW1404’ is similar in many horticultural characteristics to thecommercial variety Vanda ‘SPCDW1310’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 27,389).However ‘SPCDW1404’ differs from ‘SPCDW1310’ in the followingcharacteristics:

-   -   1. The flowers of ‘SPCDW1404’ exhibit a dark purple general        tonality, whereas the flowers of ‘SPCDW1310’ exhibit a lighter        purple general tonality.    -   2. The dorsal sepal and petal margins of ‘SPCDW1404’ exhibit a        higher degree of ruffling when compared to the dorsal sepal and        petal margins of ‘SPCDW1310’.    -   3. The spotting pattern on the dorsal sepals and petals of        ‘SPCDW1404’ exhibits pronounced dark purple spots contrasted        against a lighter background, whereas the pattern on the dorsal        sepals and petals of ‘SPCDW1310’ exhibit less pronounced spots        with blurred margins against a lighter background.    -   4. The flower petals of ‘SPCDW1404’ exhibit a higher degree of        overlapping when compared to the petals of ‘SPCDW1310’.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Vanda plantnamed ‘SPCDW1404’, substantially as described and illustrated herein.